Decision of Loyalty

Decision of Loyalty | Devotional

But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you . . .”

Ruth 1:16

The above words of Ruth to her mother-in-law [Naomi] constitute a decision of loyalty. She made a resolution not to forsake Naomi, which was a solemn declaration made by Ruth. Power of resolution silences temptation and resists the Devil, forcing him to flee.

Ruth was determined to follow Naomi and asked her to cease requesting that she leave. This was not a half-hearted and disloyal decision, but a definitive and loyal decision which extended to all ramifications of life.

All of Naomi’s entreaties could not shake Ruth’s resolute commitment, and therefore, Ruth demanded to hear no more of them. It is of great vexation and unease to those that are resolved for God to be tempted, swayed, and solicited to alter their resolution. Among those who share a throne in your heart is loyalty, and it cannot be discharged without patience and open-mindedness as it is defined by character.

There was something in Naomi’s God that Ruth came to know, and she observed—life. Therefore, nothing could stop her from following that God of Israel she had come to discover.

She realized that Naomi possessed something precious—the God of Israel—and therefore, she made a definitive vow not to turn back or walk with a half-hearted decision.

At a certain point in our Lord Jesus’ ministry, many of the disciples walked away from Him because His words were hard and incompatible with their religiosity and hidden agendas. The Scripture says, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” (John 6:66–68)

Well, our position to follow the Lord Jesus Christ is not on our own terms; it should be a decision of loyalty. It is the willingness of the mind and heart to forsake many things in life that are competing for time, attention, efforts, and resources.

Some who make a decision of loyalty to follow Jesus Christ are unaware of its consequence, so they give half-hearted and divided attention in serving Him, thus breaking the covenantal vow of that decision.

Do you have the desire to follow our Lord Jesus Christ without turning back to the world and its pleasures? When you make a decision of loyalty to follow Jesus Christ, present trials and encounters do not inconvenience you for you look forward to eternity—a life of hope beyond the present happenings in life.

When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, she looked beyond life’s uncertainties to be endured; for she looked to the hope and trust in the God of Israel, and she made a loyal decision that defined her life.

Woodrow T. Wilson says, “Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.” Loyalty is an asset, independent and scarce, parceled out among different attitudes for success in life.

A decision of loyalty is not half-hearted, half-baked, or the result of a spur-of-the-moment decision.

It is a purposeful decision made and resolved to withstand every trial, every scary moment, and every circumstance of life.

Following Jesus Christ calls for a decision of loyalty in His service. Today, may your words and actions speak and validate your avowed loyalty to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Thank God for the decision you made, commit to it, and follow through till eternity. Thank You, Heavenly Father. Amen.

Suggested Further Reading: John 6:60–69.

Prayer

Father God of Israel and Eternal LORD, You never change. You’re the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever.

Lord Almighty, help me to be loyal in serving and trusting You at all times. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.